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Willie “The Lion” Smith

Willie “The Lion” Smith (1897 – 1973) was one of the earliest piano giants of jazz, an original artist and composer, though mostly known for his many solo performances after the age of fifty. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Piano
Sonny Stitt (altosax)

Sonny Stitt (1924–1982) was one of the very best altosax artists in the Charlie Parker tradition, but the comparison was a dark shadow, a strait jacket rather than an honour, forcing him to demonstrate, particularly in the fifties, that he was his own personality with great artistic capabilities… … Read entire article »
Filed under: Altosax
Frank Morgan

Frank Morgan (1933 – 2007) was one of the greatest modern altosax talents, believed possibly to be Bird’s successor, but ended up by spending most of his life in jail. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Altosax
Don Ferrara

Don Ferrara (1928 – 2011) was a white trumpeter of the “cool” school, mostly known for his work with Lee Konitz and the Gerry Mulligan Concert Band, but disappeared early from view. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Trumpet
Clifford Brown

Clifford Brown (1930 – 1956) was one of the greatest trumpeters of modern jazz and in jazz history, a true genius who brought his instrument to new heights, a magnificent improviser who could play anything without limits, but whose life ended so prematurely in a car crash. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Trumpet
Charlie Parker (part 2 – 1952-55)

Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker (1920 – 1955) (Part 2: 1952-55) was the creator of modern jazz, an incredible performer on his altosax, a living legend, the Icaros whose wings burned when he flew too high. … Read entire article »
Chuck Wayne

Chuck Wayne (1923 – 1997) was one of the very talented guitar players who participated in early bebop as well as other jazz styles and became particularly known for his work with pianist George Shearing in the early fifties. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Guitar